Terrified locals in a Scots village are pledging to help cops crackdown on crime gangs after shocking footage emerged of a violent war between two families.
The sickening incidents, which took place near Airdrie, in North Lanarkshire, are understood to involve members of the notorious McPhee family and another family said to be the Williamsons.
Footage shared with the Daily Record captured various brutal fights where the families were seen brawling with machetes, baseball bats and a shotgun.
One disturbing incident involving a truck being rammed into a motor home where McPhee family children are understood to have been inside took place in Caldercruix at the start of November.
Residents from the area, who were too scared to be named, told the Record on Wednesday they had noticed an increased police presence in the village and said they have been left living in fear.
One woman said: "I'm 90 and I live on my own so it really is frightening.
"It is bad to see that much violence. I've lived here all my days and there has never been a time where things like this have happened here."
Another local added: "This is definitely frightening. I've got a wee boy and this kind of thing is going on so close to us."
A third resident called for action to be taken. He said: "What can be done to stop this? We used to have our own police station here but now the closest one is in Airdrie. I live by myself and if I needed the police it could take 30 minutes for someone to get here. This is really concerning."
Videos published by the Record earlier on Wednesday also showed a red truck being battered with bats and poles as one family launched a revenge attack on another, before a man was filmed with his face splattered in blood as his attacker repeatedly beat him until he was forced to admit: "The McPhee's are the best".
Local politicians have also rallied to slam the brutal violence and are urging anyone with information to assist Police Scotland with their investigation.
MSP for Airdrie and Shotts Neil Gray said: “This type of violence is completely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. I would support the police in their investigations and hope any witnesses will come forward to assist their police in their work."
SNP Councillor for Airdrie Central, Lesley Jarvie added: "I was shocked and sickened by this footage. This sort of behaviour cannot be allowed to continue, and I hope that witnesses will come forward to help Police Scotland in the investigation."
Sergeant Steven Halliday of Coatbridge CID said: “Around 3.30pm on Friday, 4 November, police were called to a report of a disturbance in Caldercruix Road, Airdrie. Officers attended and carried out enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The police investigation is ongoing with officers following a number of lines of enquiry at this time. Any witnesses or anyone with information should contact 101 with reference 2260 of 4 November.
“Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
“The police investigation is ongoing with officers following a number of lines of enquiry at this time. Any witnesses or anyone with information should contact 101 with reference 2260 of 4 November.
“Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
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